The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is closely monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) in Batanes due to the possibility of it developing into a storm by the end of this week.

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(PAGASA Image)

In PAGASA's latest assessment, the LPA was located approximately 745 kilometers southeast of Itbayat, Batanes.

PAGASA also noted that the path of the LPA, which could potentially develop into a storm, is heading towards Taiwan. Should it become a storm, it will be named Igme, marking the ninth storm to hit the country this year.

At present, the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, continues to bring cloudy skies with rain to many parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Ilocos Region, as well as to Visayas and Samar Island.

PAGASA also reminds small sea vessels that are planning to sail in the seas of Luzon, such as Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro and Palawan, including the Kalayaan Islands, that waves may reach 2.5 to 3.4 meters high.